Q. I'm thinking of having chicken breast cream soup as a meal replacement for my diet. As a practitioner of Traditional Korean Medicine, what is your opinion? Would you recommend it?

I have actually tried incorporating chicken breast cream soup into my own diet in the past when I was tired of plain chicken breast. While it felt satisfying in the moment, I found myself getting hungry again very quickly, which eventually led to late-night snacking and hindered my progress. The benefits are clear: it allows for smooth protein consumption. For those with weak digestion or difficulty chewing, it is an efficient way to absorb nutrients, and the warmth helps soothe the middle burner (the stomach area). However, the drawbacks are significant. Commercial soups are often loaded with sodium and dairy fats to improve taste, meaning you might consume more salt than necessary. More importantly, the lack of 'mastication' (the act of chewing) is a major issue. Without sufficient chewing, the brain doesn't properly register fullness signals, causing hunger to strike much sooner. From a TKM perspective, this relates to Spleen Deficiency (Bi-heo). When the Spleen's function of 'transportation and transformation' is weak, a liquid-heavy diet can cause the accumulation of 'Phlegm-rheum' (Dam-eum). This metabolic waste makes the body feel heavy and swollen, hindering the healthy circulation of Qi and blood. I wouldn't suggest replacing meals with soup every day. If you do, try adding plenty of chopped vegetables to ensure you are chewing, and prepare it at home to control the sodium levels. Dieting is ultimately about clearing the 'obstructions' in your body's circulation. If you are unsure if this dietary habit suits your specific constitution, I invite you to come in for a personalized consultation.